Visiting the GrandKids: 4th of July

August 25th, 2007 | jchaager | grandparents

For day 3 of the Great Grandparent Vacation of 2007, we spent the day at home, letting the kids play outside on their bikes. But that evening, it was time for a trip out to see some fireworks. Karin and I haven’t seen live fireworks in years. It’s just too difficult here in Seattle to get out to see them. Too many other people vying to see them as well.

But with GrandMom and GrandDad in town, we decided to brave the crowds and head down to Fort Lewis to see their fireworks show. After all, if anyone knows how to make a spectacle out of blowing things up, it ought to be the US Army. We packed up the picnic, loaded up the camping chairs, tossed a few blankets in the back, and drove down I-5.

Getting in and out of Fort Lewis was surprisingly simple. They have the whole event very well organized with regular shuttle buses running from the parking area to the parade ground where the festivities are held.

We arrived about 7PM and were able to stake out a spot right up against the field to listen to the band and watch the fireworks. It was surprisingly easy to while away the 3 hours until the fireworks started. Between setting up the chairs and laying out blankets, scoping out what food was available, standing in line to buy food, and watching the other July Fourth activities, it was dark in no time.

The fireworks show was a blast (pun intended). And, unlike many other fireworks shows I’ve been to, it lasted for nearly 45 minutes. And since this is the Army putting it on, the patriotic songs where in full swing. Songs about being proud to be an American and standing up and defending our country. Songs that aren’t always heard at the shows put on by the more liberal, anti-military leaning groups in the area.

The kids did well. Christopher watched almost the entire show, except for the parts he missed while fidgeting around between GrandDad and I. Bethany watched maybe half of it before pulling my hand over her ear and falling asleep. That meant that I got to carry her back to the car. And she’s getting quite heavy.

Once again, the trip home was fairly quiet, with two sleeping kids in the back, and four tired adults in the front. After that night out, Thursday was to be a day of rest. A chance to recover from the first half of the vacation. More on that next time.